Gregg Rosenthal

We’ve already looked at the top free agent offensive players. My impression is that there are more quality players available on defense, despite some recent re-signings. Let’s take a look at the best. 

Top defensive ends

1. Chris Canty: This Bill Parcells pick in Dallas is a prototype 3-4 defensive end who holds his ground in the running game. Don’t worry his stats; quality starters in their prime like Canty aren’t often available.

2. Antonio Smith: By no means a great player, Smith has a high motor and is versatile. He can defend the run well and play all three downs. He’ll probably get overpaid in a thin market. (UPDATE: Signed with Texans)

3. Igor Olshansky: Versatile enough to play inside at tackle in a 4-3 defense or as a defensive end in a 3-4 defense. He had inconsistent effort, though, during his time in San Diego.

4. Demetric Evans: A workmanlike run-stopper.

5. Anthony Weaver: A solid starter in Baltimore, Weaver suffered through injuries with the Texans.

On the trade market

Julius Peppers, Derrick Burgess, and Adewale Ogunleye could all be available in possible trades. Peppers is one of the best players in the league, while Burgess and O-Gun would rank only behind Canty on this list.

Top defensive tackles

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1. Albert Haynesworth: You can question his motivation in non-contract years, but Haynesworth is the best free agent available since Reggie White. Julius Peppers would have been close. Football is the ultimate team sport, but Haynesworth is the rare player who can change a franchise immediately. He should be the richest defender in NFL history; Washington is the hottest rumored landing spot. (UPDATE: Signed with Redskins)

2. Colin Cole: Gigantic drop to number two. Cole is young and can plug some gaps in the running game. He’s serviceable starter with a little upside. The Packers want to keep him.

3. Ron Fields: A physical specimen who could make a difference in a 3-4 defense. He’ll probably get overpaid considering he is a mystery.

4. Tank Johnson: He could make some noise as a situational pass rusher.

5. Rocky Bernard: Not an every-down player, but he can rush the passer well in a rotation.

Buyer beware

Shaun Cody: Excellent pedigree just hasn’t translated on the field.

Jovan Haye: Big numbers in 2007 look like a mirage after mediocre career. He’s undersized.

If he passes the physical

Grady Jackson: At 36 years old, he can only give you so many snaps. But he can make a difference in the run game if used correctly.

Top linebackers

1. Jonathan Vilma: He’s too small to play in a 3-4 defense, but this Defensive Rookie of The Year can quarterback a unit for the next five years. He will be another year removed from reconstructive knee surgery in 2009. The Saints will do their best to keep him. (UPDATE: Re-signed with Saints)

2. Bart Scott: At this stage of his career, Scott is more versatile than Ray Lewis. He certainly has more good years left. He can play a variety of roles and would fit well inside Rex Ryan’s new defense with the Jets. (UPDATE: Signed with Jets)

3. Ray Lewis: Don’t forget how Lewis was playing before his contract was up, when the rest of the league saw him as in decline. There is only one Haloti Ngata, so Lewis wouldn’t look the same in another uniform. His leadership is invaluable, but it’s most valuable to the Ravens.

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4. Michael Boley: He played a variety of positions for the Falcons and is equally comfortable rushing the passer and covering tight ends. Only 26 and under the radar, he could be a good value. (UPDATE: Signed with Giants)

5. Angelo Crowell: He was a tackling machine before injuries erased his 2008 season in Buffalo.

Buyer beware

Derrick Brooks: He can still help in the locker room and on running downs, but his trademark speed is gone.

Zach Thomas: Two teams have given up on him in two years, always a bad sign.

Napoleon Harris: He must have a great agent, because no player has seen more good contracts with less production.

Keith Brooking: Franchise legends are hard to let go, so it’s usually with good reason.

Sleepers

Cato June: The former safety can help cover on passing downs for a Cover Two team.

Eric Barton: Nothing flashy, but he can produce in the middle of a 3-4 defense.

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